Beyond The Abstract Prostate Cancer Volume At Biopsy Predicts Clinically Significant Upgrading

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 02 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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UroToday.com - Despite two decades of experience, the clinical evaluation of the prostate cancer patient in the context of PSA screening remains controversial. Many patients today have a low risk of disease-related mortality, and there is no clear consensus for their optimal treatment or whether they should be treated at all. Our study among others has attempted to sub-classify these patients to identify those who have more aggressive cancer than suggested by the current standard of risk stratification.

Based on the findings, we recommend that in addition to clinical stage, Gleason score, and PSA, prostate volume and the amount of cancer present in the prostate biopsy should be considered for prognosis and counseling. Our hope is that the results will help clinicians provide appropriate recommendations for their patients; however, the optimal treatment strategy is still uncertain in many cases. As data becomes available from ongoing clinical trials comparing surgery, radiotherapy, and delayed intervention, the urologic community will benefit from further insight into the management of patients with low risk prostate cancer.

Written by Eric Klein, MD as part of Beyond the Abstract on UroToday.com. This initiative offers a method of publishing for the professional urology community. Authors are given an opportunity to expand on the circumstances, limitations, etc., of their research by referencing the published abstract.

Link to full abstract

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